There are many reasons someone might want to use wood to forge metal over other fuels. Wood is renewable, affordable, and readily available in many places.
But can you actually forge metal with wood? And if so, what type of wood works best for forging metal?
I’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help answer these questions and provide an in-depth look at the basics of forging with wood.
I’ll go over the best wood for forging and give you a step-by-step guide to help get you started. I’ll also provide some important safety tips to consider when working with wood and metal.
So let’s get started!
Can You Forge with Wood?
The short answer is yes, you can forge metal with wood. As long as the wood burns hot enough and long enough to heat metals up to the forging temperature, it will work just fine.
The problem is that not all woods are the same when it comes to burning.
Different types of wood have different moisture content, and some burn hotter and longer than others. So it’s important to choose the right type of wood for forging metal.
Best Wood for Forging
Now that you know you can use wood to forge metal, the next step is to figure out which type of wood will work best. There are a few good options when it comes to wood for forging.
Hard Tree Wood- Hardwoods such as oak, ash, and maple are considered some of the best woods for forging because they burn hot and long. They also tend to produce less smoke and creosote buildup than softer woods.
Tree wood doesn’t have to be completely dry either. I found that forging with wood that’s a bit moist worked better compared to completely dry wood.
The longer you burn raw tree wood in the forge, the hotter it will get as more and more coals form.
Pallet Wood- Most pallets are made from hard, solid wood that is super dry and easy to burn. The wood can reach temperatures that are hot enough even to forge weld softer steels.
The size and shape of pallet wood also make it great for forging. So you won’t need to waste time and energy splitting or cutting down large chunks of wood.
Plus, pallets are usually easy to find and inexpensive in almost every part of the world and sometimes even free!
Scrap Wood- Scrap lumber from construction sites or wood shops can also be a great option for forging. The wood is usually dry and already cut into small pieces. So you won’t need to worry about splitting or cutting the wood down to size. Plus, it’s usually free!
The only downside scrap wood will typically have nails or screws in it, so be careful when dealing with it.
Preparing Wood for Forging
Once you have your wood and it’s ready to go, there are a few things you need to do before you start forging.
Moisture content- First, you’ll want to check the moisture content of your wood. If the wood is too wet, it won’t burn hot enough and if it’s too dry it will burn too quickly.
You can tell the difference between the two by how much smoke your wood produces. If it produces a lot of smoke, it’s too wet; if there is no smoke, it’s too dry.
The best way to make sure your wood is at the right moisture level is to use a moisture meter. However, if you don’t have one, you can look for cracks in the grain or give it a quick knock and listen for a hollow thud.
Proper wood size- Breaking down the wood to the appropriate size is critical for achieving a hot and long-burning fire.
You will need different sizes and thicknesses of wood throughout the forging process. For example, when you are getting the fire started, you will need to use smaller pieces of wood that are easy to light and burn quickly.
Once you have a good coal bed going, you can then start adding larger chunks of wood that will help maintain the heat for longer periods of time.
Just keep in mind that the larger the chunk of wood, the longer it will take to get hot and start producing coals.
Glue pieces together for larger logs- If you find that most of your wood is too small or too thin, you can glue pieces together to make larger logs.
This is especially helpful when it comes to forging longer, more complex projects where you will need a lot of heat for an extended period of time.
The larger logs will burn hotter and longer than smaller pieces of wood. Just make sure they aren’t too big to fit in your forge.
How to Forge with Wood
Now that your wood is ready and your forge is set up, it’s time to start forging. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
Step 1: Prepare your forge to burn wood
To use wood as fuel to forge metal, you’ll need to make adjustments to an existing coal forge, make your own wood-burning forge, or purchase one already made online.
If you’re using an existing coal forge, make sure to line the firepot with firebricks or pack it with sand to help keep the heat in. This will also help protect the firepot from cracking due to extreme temperatures.
You can check out this video on how to build a wood-burning forge.
Step 2: Break down the wood
Break down your wood into smaller chunks, so that it’s easier to manage and light when you start forging.
You’ll also want to make sure that you have a variety of sizes and thicknesses of wood ready for the different stages of the forging process.
Step 3: Burn the wood until it reaches forging temperatures
Once your forge is lit, you will need to keep adding wood and adjusting the air intake and exhaust to maintain a consistent temperature. You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if needed.
Be sure to wait until your fire has reached at least 1,000°F (538°C) before starting to forge. This temperature is hot enough to start forging most steels and other metals.
Step 4: Maintain a steady flow of wood fuel
Once you have your fire at the correct temperature, it’s time to start forging! You’ll need to maintain a steady flow of wood fuel during the forging process, so it’s important to keep replenishing your fire throughout.
To do this, you should have several pieces of wood ready and on hand that are the correct size for each stage of the process.
Step 5: Let your forge cool down after use
Once you’re done forging, it’s important to let your forge cool down before attempting to clean it out. This will help prevent any damage from heat stress and ensure the safety of yourself and anyone else working with the equipment.
To do this, simply turn off the air intake and exhaust valves and allow the fire to burn out naturally. Once the fire has completely burned out, you can then open the door of your forge and safely discard any remaining coals.
Finally, use a metal brush or vacuum to clean out any ashes and debris left behind in your firepot.
Safety Tips for Forging with Wood
Forging with wood can be dangerous if not done properly, so it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Wear Protective Gear- When working with hot metal and flames, it’s essential to wear protective gear such as leather gloves, a welding helmet, and a fire-resistant jacket or apron.
Keep A Fire Extinguisher Nearby- Always make sure to have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby in case of any unexpected fires or flare-ups.
Make Sure Your Area Is Well-Ventilated- Burning wood produces carbon monoxide and other potentially dangerous fumes, so it’s important to ensure that your area is well-ventilated during the forging process.
Never Leave An Open Flame Unattended- It’s never a good idea to leave an open flame unattended, especially when working with hot metals and fire.
Be Aware Of The Fumes- Burning wood can also produce noxious fumes, so it’s important to pay attention to any warning signs of potential exposure. If you start to feel lightheaded or dizzy, make sure to move away from the area and get some fresh air immediately.
Conclusion
Forging with wood can be more rewarding and satisfying than traditional coal or propane forging. It’s also more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. However, it is important to take all necessary precautions when working with hot metals and open flames.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking safety seriously, you can enjoy forging with wood while staying safe at the same time!
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to assist you in any way we can!
Happy forging!
